Everything you need to know
This page provides you with a variety of information about the challenge that you might find useful.
Level of difficulty
Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc is graded as “challenging” and it will test you both mentally and physically. You should not undertake this challenge without significant training. You can tell your supporters that on your trek you will be:
- Trekking for around 6-8 hours per day.
- Reaching peaks of 2557m.
- Taking on mountain trails at height with some steep drops.
Level of difficulty
Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc is graded as “challenging” and it will test you both mentally and physically. You should not undertake this challenge without significant training. You can tell your supporters that on your trek you will be:
- Trekking for around 6-8 hours per day.
- Reaching peaks of 2557m.
- Taking on mountain trails at height with some steep drops.
Typical day
You will wake early in time for breakfast and then make a packed lunch for the day ahead. Hiking will start around 0800hrs. The number of hours spent hiking will depend on the weather conditions (which can be variable) and the size and ability of the group. There will be plenty of refreshment stops, and visits to places of natural beauty and interest. In the evening you will arrive at the campsite where you will have dinner.
Typical day
You will wake early in time for breakfast and then make a packed lunch for the day ahead. Hiking will start around 0800hrs. The number of hours spent hiking will depend on the weather conditions (which can be variable) and the size and ability of the group. There will be plenty of refreshment stops, and visits to places of natural beauty and interest. In the evening you will arrive at the campsite where you will have dinner.
Safety
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of its participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. In a nutshell, Our Challenge Safe brand formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the activity itself. Your welfare is paramount!
In terms of your Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
- There are sections where you will be trekking on narrow trails with steep drop offs which may alarm anyone with an issue with heights
- Varied terrain
- The altitude in the Alps – as you will be below 3000m there should not be any altitude problems
Safety
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of its participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. In a nutshell, Our Challenge Safe brand formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the activity itself. Your welfare is paramount!
In terms of your Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
- There are sections where you will be trekking on narrow trails with steep drop offs which may alarm anyone with an issue with heights
- Varied terrain
- The altitude in the Alps – as you will be below 3000m there should not be any altitude problems
Responsible Tourism
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £200,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the UK challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the projects that we currently support.
Responsible Tourism
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £200,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the UK challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the projects that we currently support.
Flights
You will be flying from London to Geneva. The flight will take approx 1 ½ hours. The airline and routing will be confirmed two months prior to departure. Your flight tickets will be e-mailed to you before departure.
If you choose to book your own flights you must confirm with the Charity Challenge office before paying otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights (please contact flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance).
Flights
You will be flying from London to Geneva. The flight will take approx 1 ½ hours. The airline and routing will be confirmed two months prior to departure. Your flight tickets will be e-mailed to you before departure.
If you choose to book your own flights you must confirm with the Charity Challenge office before paying otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights (please contact flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance).
Visa
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area, which France is part of, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
Your passport must be:
- issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Visa
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area, which France is part of, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
Your passport must be:
- issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Insurance
Your safety when travelling with Charity Challenges is our main concern which is why it is a booking condition that you have a suitable travel insurance policy that will cover you for the adventurous nature of your challenge. We have chosen to partner with specialist travel insurance providers Campbell Irvine, who offer cover for an extensive number of adventurous activities. Cover is available directly from Campbell Irvine for most European residents and includes cover for emergency medical and repatriation and for your cancellation or curtailment of the challenge. Full details including costs may be found by clicking here.
For more travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page or for any specific queries, please contact us at info@charitychallenge.com.
Insurance
Your safety when travelling with Charity Challenges is our main concern which is why it is a booking condition that you have a suitable travel insurance policy that will cover you for the adventurous nature of your challenge. We have chosen to partner with specialist travel insurance providers Campbell Irvine, who offer cover for an extensive number of adventurous activities. Cover is available directly from Campbell Irvine for most European residents and includes cover for emergency medical and repatriation and for your cancellation or curtailment of the challenge. Full details including costs may be found by clicking here.
For more travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page or for any specific queries, please contact us at info@charitychallenge.com.
Vaccinations & Medicines
For up to date vaccination information please check the Travel Health Pro website: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/81/france
The Charity Challenge team are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your GP or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your GP may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting, and as such it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.
Medication
- Carry medicines (including those bought over the counter) in their correctly labelled original packaging, as issued by the pharmacist. These should be carried in your hand luggage.
- Consider packing a spare supply of medication in the hold luggage in case of loss of hand luggage
- A letter from the prescriber detailing the medicines with the generic names for the medications can be helpful for border control checks, and in case medicines have to be replaced or medical help is required
- Carry a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery for controlled substances and injection medications
- Take out an appropriate level of travel health insurance including repatriation and specific cover for any pre-existing illnesses
N.B. Some medications are banned abroad so please check. You can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad
Vaccinations & Medicines
For up to date vaccination information please check the Travel Health Pro website: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/81/france
The Charity Challenge team are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your GP or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your GP may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting, and as such it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.
Medication
- Carry medicines (including those bought over the counter) in their correctly labelled original packaging, as issued by the pharmacist. These should be carried in your hand luggage.
- Consider packing a spare supply of medication in the hold luggage in case of loss of hand luggage
- A letter from the prescriber detailing the medicines with the generic names for the medications can be helpful for border control checks, and in case medicines have to be replaced or medical help is required
- Carry a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery for controlled substances and injection medications
- Take out an appropriate level of travel health insurance including repatriation and specific cover for any pre-existing illnesses
N.B. Some medications are banned abroad so please check. You can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad
Climate & Terrain
Climate
Early mornings will feel chilly at first, but warm up considerably as soon as the sun rises. Whilst we have chosen the best seasons for trekking, rain and cloud, and even hail, cannot be ruled out. Night skies are usually clear and starry. As soon as the sun sets, the temperature drops radically and may drop below zero degrees. On the mountain, you will be trekking in very clear air and will need strong UV protection in particular for your skin & eyes. A warm layer and good waterproofs must be carried on the mountain as the weather can change.
Terrain
The terrain will be varied throughout the trek, from high pastures to mountain ascents. The campsite sits at 1030m and you will be trekking upto 1000m in ascent and over 1000m descents and so walking poles are highly recommneded. There are also narrow sections of the trail with steep drop offs so please take this into account if you suffer from vertigo.
Climate & Terrain
Climate
Early mornings will feel chilly at first, but warm up considerably as soon as the sun rises. Whilst we have chosen the best seasons for trekking, rain and cloud, and even hail, cannot be ruled out. Night skies are usually clear and starry. As soon as the sun sets, the temperature drops radically and may drop below zero degrees. On the mountain, you will be trekking in very clear air and will need strong UV protection in particular for your skin & eyes. A warm layer and good waterproofs must be carried on the mountain as the weather can change.
Terrain
The terrain will be varied throughout the trek, from high pastures to mountain ascents. The campsite sits at 1030m and you will be trekking upto 1000m in ascent and over 1000m descents and so walking poles are highly recommneded. There are also narrow sections of the trail with steep drop offs so please take this into account if you suffer from vertigo.
Training
A good level of fitness is definitely required! Anyone who leads a fairly active and moderately healthy lifestyle should be OK “as long as they train regularly over a period of a few months” leading up to the challenge. Although this is a short European trek, don’t be mistaken into thinking it is not challenging as it is! The days are long, and the terrain can be rocky and rough under foot. A good physical condition and faith in your own strength are essential. In your Charity Challenge account you will find more comprehensive Fitness Training Notes. You can also look to join one of our training weekends.
Training
A good level of fitness is definitely required! Anyone who leads a fairly active and moderately healthy lifestyle should be OK “as long as they train regularly over a period of a few months” leading up to the challenge. Although this is a short European trek, don’t be mistaken into thinking it is not challenging as it is! The days are long, and the terrain can be rocky and rough under foot. A good physical condition and faith in your own strength are essential. In your Charity Challenge account you will find more comprehensive Fitness Training Notes. You can also look to join one of our training weekends.
Challenge Training
If you would like to get a feel for our challenges ahead of your departure, why not consider booking on a 1 or 2 day UK Challenge?
We have a variety of challenges, covering all levels of difficulty, taking place in stunning National Parks across the UK that are led by highly qualified and experienced expedition and mountain leaders. These challenges will give you the perfect opportunity to monitor fitness levels, test out your kit, meet people in the great outdoors, share fundraising stories and gain valuable advice and support for the challenge ahead. We encourage participants to make use of our highly knowledgeable leaders and ask them any questions you may have about clothing and equipment, expedition health and wellbeing, trekking skills, walking techniques and teamwork!
We are offering all participants 50% off the registration fee when you book on one of the UK challenges listed via the link below. Just use the code TRAINING when booking. T&C’s – you must have an active booking on a challenge to avail of this offer. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Find out more here
Challenge Training
If you would like to get a feel for our challenges ahead of your departure, why not consider booking on a 1 or 2 day UK Challenge?
We have a variety of challenges, covering all levels of difficulty, taking place in stunning National Parks across the UK that are led by highly qualified and experienced expedition and mountain leaders. These challenges will give you the perfect opportunity to monitor fitness levels, test out your kit, meet people in the great outdoors, share fundraising stories and gain valuable advice and support for the challenge ahead. We encourage participants to make use of our highly knowledgeable leaders and ask them any questions you may have about clothing and equipment, expedition health and wellbeing, trekking skills, walking techniques and teamwork!
We are offering all participants 50% off the registration fee when you book on one of the UK challenges listed via the link below. Just use the code TRAINING when booking. T&C’s – you must have an active booking on a challenge to avail of this offer. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Find out more here
Luggage allowance & Valuables
Try to keep luggage to an absolute minimum – details of what to pack are provided in your kit list. Your rucksack/holdall (suitcases are not appropriate) must not exceed the maximum weight limit of the airline you are flying with (usually 20kg, however do check this with the airline or contact our flights team if in doubt). During the challenge your bags will be transported by vehicle. You will not have to carry your main pack. Whilst we will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches. Your passport and money should be kept on you at all times.
Luggage allowance & Valuables
Try to keep luggage to an absolute minimum – details of what to pack are provided in your kit list. Your rucksack/holdall (suitcases are not appropriate) must not exceed the maximum weight limit of the airline you are flying with (usually 20kg, however do check this with the airline or contact our flights team if in doubt). During the challenge your bags will be transported by vehicle. You will not have to carry your main pack. Whilst we will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches. Your passport and money should be kept on you at all times.
Leadership
We employ a number of first aid qualified challenge leaders, all of whom speak English. They will ultimately be responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.
Leadership
We employ a number of first aid qualified challenge leaders, all of whom speak English. They will ultimately be responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.
Group size
Each group is intended to be a minimum of 17 people in order to run and a maximum of 24 people due to the wilderness environment in which the challenge takes place. We can run this trip with groups of 10 - 16 people, but there will be a small group supplement of £75. This is payable by your charity if you book under the minimum sponsorship or flexi options, and by yourself if you are a self-funder.
Group size
Each group is intended to be a minimum of 17 people in order to run and a maximum of 24 people due to the wilderness environment in which the challenge takes place. We can run this trip with groups of 10 - 16 people, but there will be a small group supplement of £75. This is payable by your charity if you book under the minimum sponsorship or flexi options, and by yourself if you are a self-funder.
Clothing & Equipment
Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof, well-worn in boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some really good quality walking socks. You don’t need a clean pair every day, but enough to make sure you have dry socks each morning. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are high quality gore-tex waterproof and windproof jackets and trousers, and technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. Walking poles are also recommended, as a preventative as well as for anyone with any pre-existing leg injuries or niggles. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here, once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners Outdoorhire and Cotswold Outdoor.
Clothing & Equipment
Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof, well-worn in boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some really good quality walking socks. You don’t need a clean pair every day, but enough to make sure you have dry socks each morning. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are high quality gore-tex waterproof and windproof jackets and trousers, and technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. Walking poles are also recommended, as a preventative as well as for anyone with any pre-existing leg injuries or niggles. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here, once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners Outdoorhire and Cotswold Outdoor.
Accommodation & Toilets
Accommodation
During the challenge, your accommodation will be in 2 person tents. If you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with, please let Charity Challenge know in advance. Single tents can be provided at a supplement of £60.
Toilets
You will have clean toilets and good washing facilities in all campsites. Toilet paper is provided; however, you should also bring your own supply for during the day whilst in the mountains.
Accommodation & Toilets
Accommodation
During the challenge, your accommodation will be in 2 person tents. If you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with, please let Charity Challenge know in advance. Single tents can be provided at a supplement of £60.
Toilets
You will have clean toilets and good washing facilities in all campsites. Toilet paper is provided; however, you should also bring your own supply for during the day whilst in the mountains.
Food & drink
The food will be very filling and nutritious. Breakfast will consist of fruit, cereals and muesli, bread and jams and tea/coffee. Lunches are picnics with meat, cheese, fresh vegetables and fruit, chocolate or cookies. Dinner will be three courses: soup or salad or similar, followed by a main course and desert. Plenty of drinking water will be available to keep you hydrated. You may want to bring some extra snacks, such as tracker bars, nutrigrains, dried fruits etc. You can buy extra food or alcohol at the pensions/chalet if you wish.
Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.
NB: On Day 1, only Dinner is included; on Day 6, only Breakfast is included.
Food & drink
The food will be very filling and nutritious. Breakfast will consist of fruit, cereals and muesli, bread and jams and tea/coffee. Lunches are picnics with meat, cheese, fresh vegetables and fruit, chocolate or cookies. Dinner will be three courses: soup or salad or similar, followed by a main course and desert. Plenty of drinking water will be available to keep you hydrated. You may want to bring some extra snacks, such as tracker bars, nutrigrains, dried fruits etc. You can buy extra food or alcohol at the pensions/chalet if you wish.
Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.
NB: On Day 1, only Dinner is included; on Day 6, only Breakfast is included.
Money
Currency: Euros. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com. You do not need to bring Swiss francs.
Cash: There are Euro ATMs available at the airport (but be careful not to withdraw Swiss francs!) and in Chamonix.
Credit cards: ATMs and credit/debit cards are generally accepted in most places although a cash is better for drinks and snacks, especially if we stop at a cafe on the mountain. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted and may be used at cash points. In smaller towns, banks do not necessarily have cash points.
Spending money: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip.
Tips: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You should only tip if you feel that you have received good service. We recommend approx. £20-30 and this should be given to the challenge leader at the end of the challenge who will distribute it amongst the local support team. In bars and restaurants tips are very common and are about 10% of the total bill.
Money
Currency: Euros. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com. You do not need to bring Swiss francs.
Cash: There are Euro ATMs available at the airport (but be careful not to withdraw Swiss francs!) and in Chamonix.
Credit cards: ATMs and credit/debit cards are generally accepted in most places although a cash is better for drinks and snacks, especially if we stop at a cafe on the mountain. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted and may be used at cash points. In smaller towns, banks do not necessarily have cash points.
Spending money: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip.
Tips: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You should only tip if you feel that you have received good service. We recommend approx. £20-30 and this should be given to the challenge leader at the end of the challenge who will distribute it amongst the local support team. In bars and restaurants tips are very common and are about 10% of the total bill.
Phone & Wi-fi
You will have a good phone reception. On trekking days, there will be some phone signal at most points. In the campsites you will be able to recharge any electrical equipment.
Phone & Wi-fi
You will have a good phone reception. On trekking days, there will be some phone signal at most points. In the campsites you will be able to recharge any electrical equipment.
Emergencies
The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s walking ability. We provide a leader for every 12 participants and they usually lead from the front or middle during the hikes and ensure that you are not left behind. N.B If you are unable to complete a day then we will need to take you to the nearest Gondola off the mountain. Please ensure you carry cash on you for this as you will be required to pay for your Gondola off if you depart the trek early and this will be upto EURO20.
Emergencies
The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s walking ability. We provide a leader for every 12 participants and they usually lead from the front or middle during the hikes and ensure that you are not left behind. N.B If you are unable to complete a day then we will need to take you to the nearest Gondola off the mountain. Please ensure you carry cash on you for this as you will be required to pay for your Gondola off if you depart the trek early and this will be upto EURO20.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you suffer from a severe allergy, you are required to contact us to discuss any requirements. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request. Whilst we will do our best to put in place appropriate measures we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you suffer from a severe allergy, you are required to contact us to discuss any requirements. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request. Whilst we will do our best to put in place appropriate measures we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
Medical Support
First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.
If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.
Medical Support
First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.
If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.